The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 111

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 111

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home, on and after the 11th of that month. During these laborious nineteen ycars t date, the Journal has grown into a strong and influential paper, financially and politi cally. Maj. Bickham, although fifty-tive years of age, is as vigorous as ordinary me ten years younger. and has a large capacity for hard work. He owes his vitality to powerful constitution, and superior physical powers carefully cultivated in athletic exer cises in his youth and earlier manhood. His habit now is to spend ten or twelve hour at work and walk six to eight miles daily for exercise. He has unshaken faith in th Republican party, believing that the best interests of the nation are involved in it prosperity. He is a blunt, plain man, yet kind and courteous to friend and strange alike; and, although his determined and vigorous, partisan journalistic career ha created enemies among his political opponents, his friends stanch and true may b counted by the hundreds.

GEORGE N. BIERCE, manufacturer, Dayton. This highly respected citizen andbusiness man of Dryton is a me nber of the firm of Stillwell & Bierce Manufacturin Co., manufacturers of steam heaters and turbine water wheels, and roller mills. He wi born at Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio, October 20, 1842. His father, H. N. Bierce, w: a native of Connecticut, and a pioneer farmer of that portion of the Buckeye Stat When the subject of this sketch was four years of age, his mother was called to her fin: resting place, and four years later his father joined her " on the other side." Being le an orphan when very young, Mr. Bierce went to Canton, Ohio, where a kind uncle an aunt received him into their family fold, and where he was reared and educated. Who the war of the rebellion commenced, Mr. Bierce became an ardent advocate of the pri ciples of liberty, and in 1862, enlisted in Company K, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer I fantry, serving as a private for eighteen months. Disability necessitated his discharg but after recovery he again enlisted, this time as Adjutant of the 131st Regimer serving till the end of the fratricidal strife. After the close of the war, he came Dayton, and in 1866 associated himself in business with E. R. Stillwell, in the man facture of the Stillwell Heater. In 1870, the firm commenced making the celebrat " Eclipse " turbine water wheel, and in 1879 added the " Victor " turbine to their li the latter bearing the reputation of being the best one manufactured in the Unit States. Mr. Bierce has charge of the introduction of the goods of the firm, and the enormous and steadily increasing trade. He was married in September, 1865, to Mari L. Barkdull, a native of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Of the three children sent to the two survive-Claude S. and Fred N. Elsie died, aged sixteen months. Mr. Bien and wife are members of the first Baptist Church. He is Republican in politics, and his integrity in business, and warm social qualities, has won the respect and esteem the better class of citizens of Dayton and Montgomery County.

EZRA BIMM, wholesale and retail grocer and ice dealer, Dayton. The ancestors this gentleman were all Germans. Three brothers-John, Adam and one whose nam. now forgotten-coming from Hesse-Cassel, on the River Rhine, Germany (being only children of their family), and settling in Pennsylvania. Adam was the first the brothers to cross the Atlantic, John following him when but nineteen years old, ! yellow fever was so bad in Philadelphia, that the vessel was not allowed to land the but put its passengers ashore near that city. John began working for a Quaker fam with whom he remained one and one-half years, being taught English by his benefact and in after years he always spoke highly of his " Quaker mother " as he called ady of the house. Learning the whereabouts of his brother Adam he left his Qua home for Philadelphia, where both his brothers were living, and from there went Woodbury, Gloucester Co., N. J., where he married Christina Dansenbaker, a nar of that county, born near Deerfield. Here he followed farming until the spring of 18 when he started with his family for Ohio, landing in Dayton on the 1st of June, a a six weeks' trip. His brother Adam and himself, previous to his coming to Ohio, ited their brother who was working in a glass factory in Philadelphia, and Adam 30 much opposed to John going to Ohio, that he came one day's journey with him, ing to influence John to return, but without avail, as our subject's father kept on ward the setting sun. Five children were born in N. J., viz., Henry, Joseph, Ja

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ann and Elizabeth, and five in Ohio, viz., John, Isaac, James, Mary and Ezra. John 'imm, with his wife and family, first stopped at the La Fayette House, on 3d street, here Mr. Huffman lived and kept store, and his first acquaintance was Col. George fewcom, who proved to be a warm and devoted friend, and who gave him the use of is cabin until he could provide one for himself and family. His first work in Ohio as for Col. Grimes and D. C. Cooper, about which time Mr. Cooper offered him the t, upon which the jail now stands, for five days' work, but Mr. Bimm thought the lot as too dear, as it was then a frog pond. From Col. Newcom's he moved to Huffman's rm, thence to Cozard's, thence to near the Edgar farm on the Shaker pike, and from iere to the farm of H. G. Phillips, on which the cabin stood to the right of the large rick now standing there. About this time he bought from Dr. John Stcele thirty res of land on the hill, by Hawes' Mill, upon which he erected a two-storicd frame ouse, and here he died in 1847, his wife having died two years previous. The sub- ct of this sketeh was the youngest in a family of ten ehildren, and was born in Mont- omery County, Ohio, May 3, 1829, his early youth being passed on the farm, which as his father's vocation. When but twelve years old he began clerking in Herman's 'ocery store, of Dayton, where he remained one year, when he returned to the farm, 1 which he worked about a year ; he then came to Dayton and began working at car- entering for Ware & Wareham, then for Mr. Smith, in what was at that time called renchtown, after which he returned home, spent one winter at Harshman's, going to hool, and then entered his brother Joseph's store where he elerked for two or three ars. About this time he formed a desire of going to California, which he relinquished hen given an interest in his brother's store, which partnership existed for sixteen years hen they divided it, each taking as a partner a son of Joseph's both of whom soon ed, and then Ezra took the grocery and iee business and Joseph the pork business, d a farm. Two years ago Mr. Bimm gave two of his sons an interest in the busi- ss, the firm being now E. Bimm & Sons, which is recognized as one of the leading uses of Dayton. Our subject built the first artificial iee lake in the county, which is cated close to the Barney & Smith Car Works, and there erected buildings with a pacity of 50,000 tons of ice, in which line he does an immense business. Mr. Bimm is married October 19, 1852, to Miss Sarah Beardshear, daughter of Isaae and Sarah Booker) Beardshear, of Harrison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, to whom has been rn three sons, viz,, Levi, Joseph and Herman H., all living and young inen of bright omise. Politieally Mr. Bimm is a Republican, has always taken a Warm interest in the ccess of his party, was a member of the City Council from 1859 to 1864 inclusive and sisted in organizing the present fire department of Dayton. He has been a director of the reman's Insurance Company of Dayton for sixteen years; is a director of the Wayne St.

R .; is a member of I. O. O. F. and he and family belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. mm is a man of courteous, affable manners, possessing a warm and generous nature. Keen, rewd and sagacious in business, his success has been marked by straightforward up- ght dealing with his fellowmen, and from a poor boy he has risen by his own efforts a foremost place in the commercial arena of his native eounty.

WESLEY BOREN, brick manufacturer and contractor, Dayton. He is son of Greenberry and Mary (Ruble) Boren, and was born in Tennessee, near Jones- ro, December 2, 1816, where he lived until 1836, when heremoved to Dayton, Ohio, and gan the trade of briek mason with Daniel Richmond. In 1843; began business for nself, manufacturing briek and contracting the ereetion of buildings and is still en- ged in said business. His parents were both natives of Maryland, and moved to nnessee in an early day, where they lived until the death of the father in 1874. He ing ninety-two years old, when Wesley brought his mother to Dayton, where she ed in 1880 in her ninety-first year. Wesley served two terms as Councilman in the city of tyton from 1845 to 1849. He is a Master Mason of Dayton Lodge, No. 147, F. A. A. Also a member of Montgomery Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F. He was married, Nov. 1842, to Lydia Coblentz, daughter of Peter and Barbary (Ruble) Coblentz. Oftheir ;ht children but four are now living, viz., Amanda A., Mary C., Alice J. and John W. .s. Boren was born in Frederick county, Md., November 6, 1814. She eame to

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Montgomery County, Ohio, with her father in 1832. He died in 1851, her moth having died when Lydia was but nine years old. Mr. and Mrs. Boren have been mer bers of the Raper M. E. Church of Dayton over fifty years. Mr. B. was the contract and builder of said church. He was a class leader twenty-five years, and has been trust fifteen years. By his honesty and industry, he has accumulated quite a snug fortun and has been much respected by all who knew him.

DAVID K. BOYER, Justice of the Peace, Dayton, son of David and Eliz beth Baker Boyer, was born in Raphoe Township, Lancaster Co., Penn. Decemb 19, 1811. His paternal grandfather was born near Metz, Germany; bis matern grandfather was born in Hesse-Cassel. His father was born in a section of counti ealled Mulbach. in Lancaster County Penn., in 1770, and died in the same county Augu 8, 1822. His mother was born in Lancaster City, Lancaster Co., Penn., 1775, and died Darke County, Ohio, in April, 1852. Our subject came to this county April 27, 184 He had had a very limited German and English education in his youth, and was co sequently obliged to rely on his wits for a means of obtaining a livelihood. He fir kept a tavern at the seven mile store on the Covington pike, after which he taug school in Butler Township, and, on the 28th of April, 1841, he moved to Dayton, whe he entered the store of Henry Harman in the capacity of elerk. He next engagerl peddling goods from a budget under his arm. On the 28th of June, 1843, he moved Union, Montgomery County, and opened a store, in which he continued until elect Sheriff of the county in 1856. He moved into the old jail November 3, 1856. H eleetion being contested, he was ousted from office by political influence on the 15th June, 1857. As an indication of the people's opinion of this unjust and unwarrant action, he was nominated and elected Clerk of the Court at the first election followir (October 1857). To this office he was re-elected in 1860, and after serving out his fi term he entered the wholesale notion business, but with poor success. He then engag in life and fire insurance, and continued in this until 1876, when he was elected to th office of Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he still continues. He was married April 2, 1835, to Hannah Eby, of Manheim, Lancaster Co., Penn., by whom he had s children, three boys and three girls; of these, two boys and one girl now survive. M. Boyer died on the 21st of August, 1880. Mr. Boyer is a member of the Scottish all York Rites of Masons, and an Odd Fellow. He has been Grand Elector of the fit Masonic District for the last six years. He left Pennsylvania with a one-horse wagon, $! of money, and a family of two children. All that he has now, he has made by p sonal effort, and has no one to thank for his success but himself.

JOSIAH E. BOYER, iron and stove foundry, Dayton. This gentleman w born in Manheim, Lancaster Co., Penn. January 12, 1836. He is a son of D. K. Boyer, whom mention is made elsewhere in this work, and Hannah (Eby) Boyer. He car to Ohio with his father in 1840, and with him located in Union, Montgomery County 1843. His education was obtained before his twelfth year of age, at which time he by gan clerking in the store his father then kept. When approaching his majority. came to Dayton, and for six months aeted as Deputy Sheriff. Shortly after this lis fath was elected Clerk of the Court and he entered upon the duties of that office for his fathe He is said to have been the first man, not of the legal profession to successfully co duet the business of that offiee. This is rather remarkable when we remember that took control of the office as a green country boy, knowing nothing of the legal forma ties with which the duties of that office abound. But nevertheless he carried the affairs of the office until 1864 with great credit to himself and father. In 1864, commenced the business of stove manufacturing, and started an extensive iron found with John MacMaster under the firm name of Boyer & MacMaster as it now cxist He was married August 24, 1865, to Miss M. Lizzie Kneisley, daughter of Samuel al Sarah (Koogler) Kneisley, who came to this county from Pennsylvania. By this marria, one child was born, November 30, 1869, and named David Kneisley Eby Boyer. April 2 1877, Mr. Boyer was robbed of the comfort and companionship of his wife by death, and has since remained single. He has never taken a very active part in politics, althou twice elected Water-Works Commissioner, and for some years was President of th

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ard, being its President during the centennial year. He was the originator of and ime mover iu the Mutual and Home Savings Association organized in 1873, of which was the first Secretary and its President since 1875. He is Past Grand of Wayne dge, No. 10, I. O. O. F., and also President of the Dayton Life Insurance Association. conclusion, he is a gentleman possessed of clear-headed business qualifications, which, led by an active brain and a persistence of purpose characteristic of all successful finan- ers, has obtained for this firm and their goods a reputation as the leading stove house the Miami Valley.

CHRISTIAN F. BREMER, retired, was born June 22, 1823, in Wulkow, close Sandaw, Prussia, Germany, and is the son of Gottlieb and Mina (Dietrick ) Bremer, no lived and died in the Fatherland. The parents removed to Bredow, close to Nauen, uen Christian F. was but five years old, and there he received his education and grew ( manhood, learning the tailor's trade in the city of Berlin. In the spring of 1852, I was married, close to Frankfort-on-the-Main, to Sophia Voght, a native of Hesse- (ssel, and in June of the same year came to America, where he felt that freedom and psperity went hand in hand, landing in New York with but 17 cents as the re fortune of himself and wife (and this small sum was given by the Captain of the ap to their boy, while on the passage from Germany, he began working at his tde in that city, and soon afterward went to Baltimore, Md., where he worked four yrs on the bench. In 1856, he came West, remaining a short time in Darke County, (io ; thence removed to Dayton, where he continued tailoring as a journeyman for aut eight years, when he entered into a partnership with Edward McCann in a mer- eint tailoring establishment, which was soon dissolved, when his brother Charles took I Cann's place, and they carried on a successful business for about three years, then sold o, and our subject purchased 1522 acres of timber land in Darke County, Ohio, and wit into the wood, tie and timber business, running a large gang of men, and working ely and late in clearing up the land. Here he spent nine years, then sold his farm a returned to Dayton, remaining retired from active business about two years, when h went into the grocery business on the corner of First and Sears streets, which he ra about ten months, when he sold out and again retired. In May, 1881, he went on a ip to Germany for the purpose of visiting his friends and the scenes of his child- hd days, returning to Dayton in September, 1881. Mr. Bremer began life in the Ny World a very poor man, but by constant toil and earnest effort, coupled with st dy, saving habits, he has secured a comfortable competence, and with his wife can n enjoy peace, plenty and happiness, the legitimate heirloom of industrious, well- s] it lives.

ANTHONY C. BROWN, hatter, Dayton, was born in Sussex County, N. J September 15, 1816. He came to Ohio in 1817 with his parents and settled in Gene County, and, in 1825, they moved to Darke County. Anthony came to Dayton ir 851. His brother, Henry M., established the hat store in 1837, and was succeeded D'Anthony in 1861. He is located on North Main street, where he keeps a full line whats of the very best quality and of the latest styles.

O. B. BROWN, attorney, Dayton, was born in Jeddo, Orleans Co., N. Y., June 2:1853. His parents were Col. Edwin F. Brown, a native of New York, born April 2:1823, and Elizabeth (Britt) Brown, a native of the same place, who was born May 2- 1824, and died June 21, 1878. They were married September 25, 1844, and had fo, children, all sons-Charles Lee, Will J., Oren B. and Edwin F., all surviving but MJ., who was lost in the West in 1874, and is supposed to be dead. Col. Brown, the leer, is a farmer, merchant and soldier. He was Colonel of the 28th N. Y. V. I., l'ng enlisted during the first year of the war and serving two years, that being the full il for which he enlisted. He lost his left arm at the battle of Cedar Mountain August 0, 862. After the war, he was elected Clerk of the Courts for Orleans County. [x 868, he was appointed Governor of the National Soldiers' Home at Dayton, in with capacity he served until promoted to the office of Inspector General of National Hhes for disabled volunteer soldiers in September, 1880. Our subject came to Day- torApril 14, 1869, and attended a private school at the old military institute, and

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afterward at the city high school. He also attended Dennison University at Granvil Ohio, until January 1, 1874, when he left the Sophomore class of that college and enter the same class in Princeton College, Princeton, N. J. From this latter he graduat June, 1876, and at once commenced reading law with Gunckle & Rowe, of Dayto He was admitted to the bar September 1, 1878, and has since been in the practice of ! profession. He was nominated for Clerk of the Court in September, 1881, and elect by 111 majority, being the only Republican county officer elected at that electic He will take his seat on the 9th of March, 1882, and we can safely predict that constituents will never regret putting him into this responsible position, as he is every way well qualified to fill it with credit to himself and party. Mr. Brown is member of the Masonic fraternity, including Knights Templar, of the Knights Pythias and Royal Arcanum.

ELIJAH H. BROWNELL, manufacturer, Dayton, of the firm of E. H. Brov ell & Co., boiler makers, was born in Fulton County, N. Y., June 20, 1828. His pare were Frederick and Ann (Dolley) Brownell, natives of New York, who located at Lov Sandusky in 1842. The former was a tanner and currier by trade, and the son ea assisted his parent in the business. His early literary education was obtained in nig schools only. In 1844, the family removed to Green Springs, where Mr. Brownell came acquainted with Gen. James B. McPherson, who was then a clerk in a lit country store owned by Robert Smith. Mr. Brownell learned buckskin tanning, a after assisting his father for some time, engaged in the milling trade with Matthias Sto now in the U. S. Treasurer's office, at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1848, Mr. B. commen running an engine in about the first steam saw-mill put in operation near Clyde, Northern Ohio. In 1849, he went to Sandusky, anticipating going on the lakes, as gineer. While sojourning in that city, he made the acquaintance of N. H. Mo who gave him a job of work in a boiler shop, at 75 cents per day. He remained w him one year and then went to Cleveland, soon after returning to Mr. Moore with wh he finished his trade. During these few years of labor, by strict economy and pe: vcarance, he had been able to save a small sum of money, sufficient to invest in bl ness for himself. He sought a point to locate, and, after visiting Toledo, came to D ton. He was a perfect stranger to all but one or two, in the Valley City, but the ki ness of its inhabitants and the inducements held out, caused him to locate there, to establish a business which now excels any of its kind in Montgomery County, of which none are more proud than those who gave the stranger timely aid and ass ance when he most necded it. Mr. Brownell was so pleased with the kindness she him, that he will always remember with grateful heart the pioneers of carly Day He leased a little building on Foundry street, near the railroad track, where he i commenced business. As trade increased, his buildings had to be enlarged in proj tion, and at present they occupy a large space of ground, in which is transacted an mense amount of business, a sketch of which will be found in another chapter.

Brownell has worked all his life, and given his entire time and attention to his basin the success of which proves this statement. Mr. Brownell also built and started | machine shop and foundry now owned and operated by John R. Brownell and Ma Schneible. Mr. Brownell was married, Nov. 10, 1859, to Sarah A. Warman, a na of New Jersey, who came to Montgomery County in 1854. Of their eleven ehildı ten arc living-Phebe, Minnie, Jennie, Frederick, Addeson, Lincoln, Clara, Elijah. Sarah, Nellie and Dollie. An infant is deceased. Mr. B. united with the Bay Church, during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Dickinson, and officiated as Trusted the Union Avenue Church for some years. His father was a Whig in polities, and son followed in his footsteps until the birth of the Republican party. He then enli under its banner, and during the dark "night of gloom" was an carnest advocate the Union side, and a warm supporter of the doctrines and principles of the marty Lincoln. Elijah H. Brownell is a man among many. Commencing life as a poor he has risen, step by step, to a position where, by spotless integrity, true benevole and genial good nature, he has won the respect of all, and gained a host of warm sonal friends. Mr. Brownell's father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was

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ned at Sackett's Harbor, under Gen. Brown; and six of his mother's uncles fought f liberty during the Revolutionary war.

STEPHEN THOMAS BRYCE, manufacturer of furnaces, Dayton, was born the 29th day of September, 1840, in the town of Burchville, St. Clair Co., Mich. . the age of six years, his father died, leaving his widow with a family of six children, tee boys and three girls, to support. In the year 1846, the family removed to the vlage of Kilworth, in Canada, where they continued to reside until 1851, when they I:ved to Port Huron, Mich. It was during their residence in Canada, and the subse- rent two years, that the subject of this sketch obtained what schooling he ever received. out this time, in the winter of 1853-54, his mother married again. The step-father ling a lumberman, during the following years, until he was twenty-one, Mr. Bryce Ent in that business. In winter he was occupied in the pineries, and in spring, sum- ir and autumn he was engaged in rafting and carpentering and generally converting te logs into lumber, buildings, etc. October 4, 1861, Mr. Bryce enlisted in the Third Mich- in Cavalry, Company H, and was made First Sergeant, which position he held during t: three years of his service in the army. Although in the summer of 1862, through t recommendation of his Captain-Highwood-his name had been sent in for promo- f'n to a Lieutenancy. The recommendation was approved, and the commission for- vrded, but, in the meantime, Capt. H. had resigned, and the First Lieutenant having bome Captain before the commission was delivered, and Mr. B. being at that time ofined to his tent by sickness, exerted such influence as caused it to be returned and e ferred on another. Mr. B. served with his regiment, beginning with the siege and capt- up of New Madrid, Island No. 10 and Corinth, and all subsequent campaigns in West Ten- I see, Mississippi and Alabama, up to the spring of 1864. The regiment then re-enlisted ; J. B., declining to follow its example, was detailed by order of Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn, tn commanding the Sixteenth Army Corps, to detached service in the transportation oce in Memphis, in which position he remained until his term of service expired, Octo- b 4, 1864, when he went to Detroit and was mustered out. The following winter he s nt in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, in Detroit. In the spring of 1865, hreturned to Memphis, Tenn .; after remaining there two or three months, he changed b'e to New York City. He there became engaged with a firm, his field of work being pacipally the State of New Jersey. September 29, of that year, being his twenty-fifth behday, he was married near Sharpstown, N. J., to Miss Adelaide M. Webber, daugh- t of John Webber, of Dayton, who was at that time visiting her relatives in that State Tring the following winter and spring, they resided in New York City. The follow- in April of 1866, they moved to Dayton, Mr. B. going into the stone business, wich he has followed ever since, having been largely identified with the building in- tests throughout this section of the State, also in Chicago, and many other cities a distance. In politics Mr. B. grew up a Democrat of the Douglas school, but since t war he has been actively in sympathy with the Republican party. In the spring of 177, he was elected to the City Council from the Fifth Ward, in which position he con- ted until his term had nearly expired, i. e., two years, when he resigned. In the sing of 1880, he was again elected to the Council, this time to represent the Tenth Vrd, upon the organization of Council he was elected President of that body, with Vat ability and satisfaction may be shown by his unanimous re-election to the Presidency t following year, every Republican and Democrat in Council voting for him, which, 1 hese days of party strife, may be considered the highest of compliments. He is 81 occupying the chair as President of Council. He has a family, consisting of fi, daughters and two sons, as follows. May Eloise, John Webber, Angie Helena, Aa Marictta, Daisy Florence, Stephen Dudley and Edna Annetta. In April, 1881, M Bryce retired from the stone aud contracting business, and is now in partnership wh Mr. Walker, engaged in manufacturing the Fair Natural Draft Furnace, also the "{onarch " Furnace, for heating public and private buildings, the latter of which Mr. Erce is the inventor of, and which the manufacturers claim to be the best in the n ket.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 111

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214